By Benjamin Yount | Statehouse News Online

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana House Democrats showed up for work Wednesday but still managed to slow down the inevitable vote on the state's right-to-work legislation.

Democrats used organized walkouts to delay the legislative process on House Bill 1001, commonly referred to as the right-to-work bill, which would allow nonunion workers in private-sector union shops to opt out of paying union dues and fees.

Democrats answered the state House's call for a quorum Wednesday, allowing business to resume on HB 1001 and any other proposals in the hopper. 

But soon after the gavel fell, state House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, announced a deal with House Democrats to delay the second reading of  HB1001 until Tuesday. 

"I contacted (Democratic Leader Pat) Bauer and offered the deal to him," Bosma said after Wednesday's session. 

The speaker said he watched Tuesday's committee hearing online, and "was concerned by the public threats" after a handful of union members stormed out of the committee hearing while shouting in anger. 

By delaying the right-to-work legislation until Tuesday, Bosma is setting the stage for a vote no earlier than Jan. 20.

"Second reading will be Tuesday," Bosma said as he clarified the schedule for lawmakers. "And we will finalize discussions Wednesday and Thursday."

Second reading is the legislative step when all state representatives can offer amendments to the legislation. After lawmakers agree on a final piece of legislation it will move to third reading, which is when lawmakers will cast a final vote. 

The deal to give the Democrats a chance to air their objections comes with one guarantee, that Democrats will show up. 

Bauer, D-South Bend, said he's always just wanted more time.

"If we move the the hearing until Tuesday, it will give us another weekend," Bauer said as lawmakers left the House floor Wednesday.

More time "softens at least one of the terrible problems with HB 1001," Bauer added. 

Bauer has always maintained that the legislation is designed to bust Indiana's unions. 

Republican supporters of right to work say the legislation will help make the Hoosier State more attractive to out of state companies.

Even though the outcome of the vote is certain, Bosma said, "I intend to have a full and fair hearing on HB 1001. And I ask for all of us to be reasonable."